Innovations in Aging

Master of Science

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Quick Facts

Credits Required: 36

Cost Per Credit: $707.00

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University of Arizona Health Sciences

Program Details

The Master of Science in Innovations in Aging program was developed to serve Arizona's growing population of older adults nationally and globally. The program allows you to contribute to improving the lives of older adults and learn about the challenges and opportunities in developing a career in aging.

The program's core courses prepare you to take a culturally competent, ethical, humanistic, and interdisciplinary approach to address the unique needs of the aging population. Also included are classes focused on different aging perspectives with an understanding of bias, equity, innovations in aging, and research methods appropriate for researching aging.

The Association of Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) Standards guides the curriculum, ensuring that you acquire the coursework and experience necessary to apply for professional certification through the National Association of Professional Gerontologists (NAPG). This preparation also equips you to pursue your post-graduation career goals and even consider doctoral education in aging sciences and related fields.

The MS in Innovations in Aging program requires 36 units and is designed to be completed in two years. Twelve of the units for the degree are supplied by the certificate courses, which means when you have completed the certificate, you are 1/3 of the way to achieving the Master's degree. Another twelve credits include four required courses and twelve credits chosen from a broad list of electives aligned with your interprofessional interests. Since certificate courses are stackable with the Master of Science program, you can earn both a Graduate Certificate and a Master's Degree. There is also a stackable option with the Aging Law and Policy Graduate Certificate whereby you can earn a Graduate Certificate and Master's degree in Innovations in Aging and a Graduate Certificate in Aging Law and Policy with the same number of credits as a Master's Degree.

The MS in Innovations in Aging program is one of 20 Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDP) approved and established by the Arizona Board of Regents. GIDPs transcend departmental boundaries, creating unique opportunities for students to pursue new research opportunities.

The MS program is a standalone entity and part of a larger mission. It is affiliated with the Arizona Center on Aging, a hub that tirelessly works to improve the quality of life for older adults through comprehensive programs in research, education and training, clinical care, and community engagement. This affiliation ensures that you are part of a larger community and mission, making your educational journey more meaningful.

View detailed program information

Prospective students must have at least either a bachelor's degree (BS/BA) in any discipline or graduate status (e.g., PharmD students).

*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.

Courses

This 36 credit program is divided between 12 credits from the Graduate Certificate, 12 credits core from the 4 courses listed below, and 12 electives selective from a list of pre-approved courses. The following are the core courses:

Through this course, you will integrate and expand gerontological perspectives on aging into a larger unifying theory. Longitudinal effects on the life course of older adults will be explored through this consolidated view to understand better the multi-faceted and complex nature of various influences on the quality of life of an aging population.

This course explores biases and ageism as social justice issues impacting older adults and the aging experience. You will learn how biases embedded in our culture impact messaging about aging, influencing our perspective on getting older. Leave with the ability to protect themselves from biased messaging better and be more open to opportunities and possibilities in the field of aging.

This course considers the history of research on aging, including its origins, pivotal findings, and accompanying misconceptions and factors about diversity and inclusion.

Investigate, plan and present an innovation targeting a real-world and relevant aging opportunity or problem of your interest. You will produce a research-informed, interdisciplinary intervention proposal that reflects current aging theory, models, and ethical considerations. Finally, you must explore and consider sources of bias, influence, and long-term implications of your proposed intervention.